What are CBD concentrates and what are the types?
CBD concentrate contains a higher amount of CBD than is normally found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the many compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The current interest in CBD and hemp products has led to selective breeding of the plant, which has increased the CBD content in different varieties of hemp. CBD is not psychoactive and does not have the narcotic effects that people associate with cannabis use. These effects come from THC, another cannabinoid found in cannabis. Therefore, even higher doses of CBD from concentrates will not have the same effect on a person. CBD products come in different forms and concentrations. Since they are not regulated by authorities and are in the early stages of research, people should start with low doses. If lower doses will have no effect, it is advisable to try products that contain concentrate or even CBD isolate, which is a pure form of CBD.
Effects of CBD concentrate
The potential benefits of CBD concentrate are similar to other CBD products. CBD acts on the brain's endocannabinoid system, which may have several health benefits.
While the effects can vary depending on a person's sensitivity and the dose taken, possible benefits of CBD include:
- appetite control
- anti-stress effects
- anti-anxiety effects
- antioxidant
- effects against arthritis
- anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve inflammatory pain
Other benefits of using CBD concentrate
The following factors may have additional benefits for a person who uses CBD.
Terpenes
Terpenes are natural compounds found in many plants that give them a distinctive aroma. Depending on the source and variety, many different terpenes can be present in cannabis products. Common terpenes in cannabis include:
- myrcene
- α-pinene
- β-Caryophyllene
- humulene
- linalool
- limonene
A study in the journal Headache Currents reports that cannabinoids and terpenes work together in harmony, through a phenomenon called the entourage effect. This effect may amplify the effects of CBD for certain ailments such as pain, headaches and inflammation.
Even terpenes themselves can have some benefits for the body and brain.
Purity
Some people choose CBD concentrates for their purity. If the manufacturer has done the process correctly, there should be no residue or traces of other chemicals left in the concentrate. This means that the product only contains the compounds given for the specific concentrate, such as CBD and terpenes.
Higher benefits
Because CBD concentrates often contain many times the amount of CBD found in hemp, it is possible to quickly obtain a higher dose of the active ingredient.
Faster onset of action
Some people prefer concentrates because of the rapid onset of effects. Typically, a person who inhales the heated vapour from a concentrate will experience the effects of CBD more quickly than if taken orally. For people who need to feel the effects as soon as possible, CBD concentrates are a great choice.
Side effects and risks
There is little chance of side effects when taking CBD.
Side effects
CBD concentrates contain high doses of CBD and other compounds. Although side effects are not common, they are possible. Some people may experience side effects with higher doses of CBD, including:
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- weight loss or weight gain
Due to the side effects of CBD, it may not be safe to drive or operate heavy machinery. It is usually recommended that people take high doses of CBD only in the evening before bed.
The Power of
CBD concentrates are inherently very potent. Therefore, they may not be suitable for users who are sensitive to this compound or for those who do not normally use cannabis products. If someone takes a large dose of CBD and has no previous experience with similar products, they may experience unpleasant side effects.
Impurities
Impurity is one of the most important factors for people choosing a CBD concentrate. If CBD product manufacturers are not careful during the extraction process, chemicals, solvents, or other impurities may be left behind in the product.
A 2017 survey conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed CBD products sold online. Of these 84 products, 70% were mislabeled as containing CBD, while 42% contained less CBD than stated. In addition, 18 products tested positive for the psychoactive ingredient THC and some of them contained THC in higher amounts than legally allowed for cannabis products. Impurities remaining in the concentrate may affect its taste and potency. In some cases, these residues can even harm the user.
Drug tests
Some CBD concentrates, especially full-spectrum types, may contain small amounts of THC. While this does not have psychoactive effects on a person, it may show up in a drug test.
Types
There are several methods to extract CBDT in larger quantities from the cannabis plant. The form that the concentrate takes depends on these techniques. Solvents such as butane or ethanol can help separate CBD from the plant material. In theory, the producer should then remove these solvents after extraction. However, many manufacturers do not follow this procedure and these substances can alter the taste or quality of the final product. Many companies now use supercritical CO extraction2, which is a completely non-toxic method. The solution then goes through additional processes to remove unnecessary fats, waxes or other compounds. This final step is called the purification stage. After this, only the extracted CBD remains, along with other compounds contained in the product, such as terpenes. Companies that add or skip certain stages of the process produce slightly different final products. The perception of the differences between these products may just be a matter of preference. In some cases, however, the process may change the concentrate content. The most common types of concentrates are listed below:
Crystalline (powdered) CBD: Pure CBD isolate contains virtually nothing but the crystalline CBD compound and comes in powder form.
Wax: wax is a slightly darker, oily substance, usually intended for dabbing or vaping. It contains other compounds such as waxes and sterols from the plant.
Crumble: a substance similar to wax concentrate, but contains moisture that creates a crumbly, less sticky texture.
Shatter: shatter looks similar to hard caramel or opaque glass. It melts and bubbles when heated and has a thick, honey texture.
Live resin: due to the flash freezing of the sticks before extraction, the final product contains a higher amount of terpenes and cannabinoids. Many people who want broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD products choose live resin concentrates for the better taste. However, there are only a limited number of these on the market and they tend to be expensive.
Budder: the manufacturers in the final stage purify the extract at a higher temperature and air pressure. This gives the wax concentrate a fluffy, butter-like texture.
Conclusion
CBD concentrates contain relatively high doses of CBD and therefore may not be suitable for everyone. Some users may experience adverse reactions to these higher doses of CBD, such as drowsiness or fatigue. Anyone who is unsure whether CBD concentrates will benefit them should consult a doctor to assess their options.
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